NMCRS looking for Marines to help Marines

Wednesday

Apr 3, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 3, 2013 at 2:25 PM

Every year, unit representatives talk to Marines and Sailors about donating to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, an organization that provides financial aid to service members experiencing times of fiscal hardship.

Cpl. Shandra Dyess - MCAS New River

Every year, unit representatives talk to Marines and Sailors about donating to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, an organization that provides financial aid to service members experiencing times of fiscal hardship.

According to its website, the NMCRS has four sources of income; donations, repayment of interest-free loans, proceeds from the thrift shop, and a reserve fund.

Active-duty fundraising accounts for approximately half of the annual contributions, said Rita Fountain, director of the Marine Corps Air Station New River branch of the organization.

Marines who have been in long enough to experience the yearly campaign may be familiar with the slips of paper unit representatives give out for them to make allotments.

However, there is now a paperless way to contribute. Marines can sign on to Marine Online and make allotments there.

Family members and other civilians can also donate by going to the NMCRS website.

This year, the NMCRS has also partnered with the Marine Corps Exchange to offer an incentive to those who donate.

“With every five dollar contribution, you will receive a coupon for 10 percent off all merchandise storewide, redeemable April 22-23,” said Fountain.

The coupons will also provide 20 percent off regular price apparel, shoes, watches and sunglasses. The coupons, coming soon to the Exchange, will provide more details.

The main goal of the organization is to reach out and inform every Marine how he or she can donate, Fountain added. The air station raised $25,010 in 2012 and she is confident it can raise more this year.

To learn more about participating in the NMCRS, contact your unit representative or go to www.nmcrsfunddrive.org.